Anatomy of the Digestive System

Food gives the body the energy needed for life. The digestive system breaks food down into basic nutrients that can be used by the body. The digestive tract is a long, muscular tube that extends from the mouth through the stomach and intestines to the anus. As food moves along the digestive tract, it's digested. This means it's changed into substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Certain organs (such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas) help with this digestion. Parts of food that can't be digested are turned into stool. This is waste material that's passed out of the body.

Digestive system

Outline of man showing gastrointestinal system.

The digestive system is made up of the following:

  • The mouth. Takes in food, breaks it into pieces, and begins the digestion process.

  • The esophagus. Moves food from the mouth to the stomach.

  • The stomach. Breaks food down into a liquid mixture.

  • The liver. Makes bile that helps digest fat, removes toxins from blood, and maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

  • The gallbladder. Stores, concentrates, and controls the flow of bile into the small intestine.

  • The pancreas. Makes enzymes that help in digestion. And makes hormones that help control blood sugar.

  • The small intestine. Digests food further. And absorbs nutrients and water from food so they can be used by the body. What's left is passed on to the colon as liquid waste.

  • The large intestine (colon). Absorbs water, salt, and minerals from the waste, forming a solid stool.

  • The rectum. Stores stool until a bowel movement happens.

  • The anus. The opening where stool leaves the body.